Nintendo Scene’s 3DS Games of the Year 2014

It’s no lie that 2014 was a crackin’ year to be an owner of Nintendo hardware, am I right?

Us here at camp Nintendo Scene (aka site veteran Wes and the rookies being me, Reuben & Conor) decided to put our noggins together to whittle out what we considered to be the cream of last year’s crop. We’ve already done the home console deed so it’s about time we took things handheld instead. So here we have it then (again) from a 3DS perspective…

Pokémon Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire

Pokémon OR/AS follows on from the brilliant X/Y, adding more features and making even better use of the touchscreen. The PSS, Pokémon Amie and Super Training are back, and they are joined by the ‘Nav’, which lets a player check on various aspects as they travel the region. The neat Navigator makes the player aware of any trainer rematches, berry spots, or secret bases on their route. It also lets the player know what Pokémon still need to be caught in the area. The StreetPass feature does wonders for the Secret Base feature too. Many more Mega Evolutions have been introduced, which is always exciting to see! Collecting all of the Mega Stones in the game becomes a challenge of its own too.It’s very easy to fall in love with the Hoenn remakes. Seeing all of its cities, characters, Pokémon, and catastrophic events get revisited and updated is a heartwarming experience. It’s another spectacular entry in the series and I, for one, can’t wait to see where Game Freak goes from here. – Conor

Super Smash Bros. for Nintendo 3DS

Super Smash Bros. for 3DS is a sight to behold. And a joy to play. All on that little screen – the four player frenzied fights, the range of exciting, engaging stages, ALL those characters, the items, creating custom fighters – there’s always something new to experience. The game modes kept me coming back for more and my new addiction that is collecting those trophies means carrying my 3DS everywhere to collect play coins. My 3DS game of the year for 2014; a must own for Nintendo fans everywhere. – Wes

Shovel Knight

I’m a huge fan of the past eras of gaming. Seeing as that is where I started, that is no surprise, so I have been loving the recent retro revival that has occurred in gaming. However, not a single retro game has given me more joy, or anticipation, than Shovel Knight. The moment I saw it, I knew that I wanted it, and nothing was going to stop me. Once again, like my Wii U GOTY, this game did not disappoint. It’s simple to explain why this game has my vote, it is a perfectly constructed homage to my gaming childhood – oh, and the soundtrack is awesome. – Reuben

Chibi-Robo! Let’s Go, Photo!

Here’s a 2014 title that had a charming gamble at what the 3DS can offer in terms of photographic functionality. Your inanimate household objects which lack their former lustre could now act as props for an oddball handheld experience. An eShop game shaken up with quirks both loveable yet unforgiving but enough so to make an empty Dr Pepper can entertaining. ~ Boots

You treated us well 2014, but now the time has come for you to move into your designated historical slot. 2015 on the other hand you are everyone’s newest fad! So feel free to let yourself in and make yourself comfortable. Here’s a happy but yet belated new year Nintendo Scene readers!